HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-30 EMC testimony - Otsuka, Dell (10-30) LATEDell H.Otsuka,Commissioner
County of Hawai’i,District 3
Environmental Management Commission
Wednesday,October 30,2024
Agenda Item VII.5 Status of existing staff vacancies and recent hires
Addendum to Written Testimony on DEM Staffing
Upon review,I wish to include additional context to underscore the urgency of addressing
DEM’s staffing shortages.
In August 2023,the Department reported a total of 37 vacancies.This year,that number has
grown by 49,resulting in a total of 86 vacancies-a substantial increase.This escalating trend
underlines the critical need for proactive measures to recruit and retain staff to ensure the
continued functionality and safety or our environmental services,